Trapper Jerry-York made a few quick moves and had his opponent down on the mat during a mixed martial arts class at Dosomthin Athletics in Yreka on Thursday morning.

Trapper gave a broad smile, and, still having a firm grip on his opponent, proudly looked to his left and excitedly said to a woman watching. "Grandma, grandma!"

After all, both of these MMA fighters are only 6.

Since last year, Domothin, which has had a fair share of pro fighters fight for the gym has had youth MMA classes.

Starting with only two students, there are now more than 30 taking part on Tuesday and Thursday morning.

There are classes for kids five to 11 and for those 12 and up. The second class has a number of teens as well as adults participating.

Tommy Davis, who helped found Dosomthin and is the main instructor of the classes said MMA is an endeavor that gives these kids a positive outlet.

"I love working with them," he said. "I wish I had something like this when I was younger. I like being a positive influence on them ... I feel responsible for these kids. It's important for me to lead by example."

Davis said that for a while he has taught his 6-year-old son Jacob similar moves and is glad to have a class to get more kids interested in the sport from an early age. After all, he said that these kids could be the next generation of MMA fighters to come out of the gym.

His wife, Katina Davis, the owner of Dosomthin, also helps with the classes and agreed that MMA gives these youth something positive to direct their enray toward and said she has formed a close bond with the kids.

She added that doing MMA is a good way for these kids to release their energy in a constructive way.

"It's a positive outlet for negative aggression," Katina Davis said.

Watching one of the young MMA enthusiasts during class, Tommy Davis carfully monitored the action, as he gave advice.

"You've got to be fast," he told one of the kids. "You have to confuse hin. Use your speed."

The younger kids learn the fundamentals of the sport, Davis said, such as wrestling and jujitsu. The younger level does not take part in full contact.

The older kids learn more hands-on fighting skills.

Sierra Wagemaker, who turns 16 in August, began taking classes a few months ago because she was interest in MMA, and also wanted to learn self- defense and have a way to protect herself.

"There's creepy people everywhere," she said.

Wagemaker said she had enjoyed learning MMA and would love to turn pro someday and win a MMA title.

Page 2 of 2 - "That would be so awesome," she said.

While she has enjoyed competing, Wagelmaker said it has taken time to get used to the more physical aspects of MMA such as getting punched in the face.

But, she added, it goes with the terrotory and said it has been something she is proud to be a part of.

Tommy Davis said folks are welcome to join the classes and try MMA out. For more information, call Katina Davis at 340-0834. The gym website can be found at www.dosomthinathletics.com. The gym is located at 614 S. Main St. in Yreka.